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Saturday, February 9, 2013

Beloved Joey - December 23, 2000 - February 7, 2013

Dad's Little Hero

It's with great reluctance, sadness, and pain, that we report that we laid our beloved 12-year-old Dachshund 'Joey' to rest on Thursday. My boy. My sweet, wonderful, handsome, tail-wagging, perfect little spotted boy. Joey was your Long and Short of it All host for nearly 6 years, along with his littermate sister, sweet Miss 'Maggie,' who passed away on September 13, 2011. He loved me more than anything else in the world, to the point where it was actually a little strange - eyes on my eyes, always watching my every single move, doing whatever was the right thing to do without ever being asked to do so, and so, so brave and stoic to the very end. I loved him just as much as he loved me.

Something has been up with Joey for the last several weeks. He was losing weight even though he was still eating the same. He was refusing a little jump over a 1/2 inch high piece of wood through the little door in the doggy gate, and refusing stairs. I took him to the vet to examine his back, but there were no apparent issues. We ran a series of tests, including a new one which looks at the overall stress of his heart, as sometimes the heart works so hard that it can cause muscle wastage. This test came back as "medium," and we know Joey does have a murmur, but doesn't exhibit any signs such as coughing after exercise. X-rays showed the heart was more enlarged than last fall, but there was no fluid build-up we could see.

On Tuesday, I came home from work, and there was that cough. It was very bad, and Joey seemed in some distress when breathing, as his abdomen would reflex when he would take a breath. He was hungry for dinner though, so I decided to take him to the vet the next day. He continued to cough all night long, and couldn't get comfortable in the big bed. He couldn't lay on either side, but was able to lay on his stomach and find some rest. I didn't sleep at all that night, but watched him closely, crying, and stroked and hugged him tight, as I suspected in the back of my mind that this could be it for Joey.

My veterinarian is closed on Wednesdays, but he is such a wonderful and caring person that he gave me his cell phone if I ever needed him. I needed him that day. He met me in the office and didn't have any techs with him, so I gowned up in the lead vest to help hold Joey in various positions while he took x-rays. He ran a series of blood tests and other tests for over an hour, but nothing was jumping out at him.

And so, it was off to the veterinary referral center. Cardiologists and radiologists finally determined that he had either a cyst or clot on the left side of his heart. This was causing the right side of his heart to become extremely enlarged, as it was over-compensating, and the lungs and liver to become sluggish. It was decided that they would treat it as a clot, and he would hopefully have some improvement after a day's worth of treatment and stay in an oxygen tent. I went with a friend to visit him that night, and he did not seem much better. I got the call in the morning from his internist that he had not improved over night, and they could run more tests if they took him to another specialty center, but his prospects were not good. I opted to not perform any more tests. It was time. Lord knows he had been through enough in his life. I called my good friend, and we headed to the center for his euthanization.

Throughout all of this, surprisingly, Joey didn't lose his appetite. That's what made this even harder, as usually dogs will lose their appetite when they are quite ill. Must be the Dachshund in him. I stopped at Burger King on the way and picked him up a Whopper with cheese, plain, and a small fry. This would be his last meal.

We spent about an hour with him before the procedure. Unfortunately he had an oxygen tube stapled down the front of his head and into his nose, and this was bothering him. But he was able to work around it to gladly eat up whatever we offered him of the Whopper and fries. We had some good quality time and talked with him about all the things that he loved. He got lots of kisses, hugs, and strokes. Joey continued to struggle to breathe when the doctor and the technician came in the room and asked us if it was time. It was.

As he lay in my lap, his most favorite place on the planet, looking into the eyes of one of my dearest friends, the good doctor began to push in the propofol to relieve him of his suffering. Tired as he was, and struggling to breathe, he sat up from his laying position, as if to say "No, I can't go, No, I have to take care of my Dad and my little brother Rowdy. No, I am Joey, I am Dachshund, and I won't leave this world lying down." We soothed him with sweet words and caresses to relax, and in just three seconds as the drug began to take effect, he cradled his warm little head into my hand and rested peacefully, knowing that everything is gonna be alright. Faithful and true to the last beat of his loving heart. Good Gosh I'll miss you Joey. Thank you to all of Joey's friends here for your love and support over the years - I know a lot of folks here are gonna miss him too. And I know that his littermate sister Maggie was the first to greet him on the other side.

In the sky above Chicago, the world headquarters of The Long and Short of it All

Thank you to our dear friend Liz Kearley, who made this amazing image of Joey and Maggie, Together Again. They truly are. I can't wait til the day I can snuggle with them once more.

So very sorry. This blog and the doggy hosts of it have brought me so much pleasure. I feel that I really know your precious Joey. I am so sad to hear of his passing. I hope you find comfort in knowing his antics have made me laugh. Your compassion in the care of your pets is to be emulated.

A beautiful tribute, Carson, I know it must have been so difficult to write. Some living creatures, human or animal alike, just become part of the fabric of our soul and change our lives forever. I love thinking of Joey and Maggie keeping an eye on us (when they aren't playing with Sir Oscar or keeping Jeeves and Romeo from getting into too much trouble). Thank you for sharing Maggie, Joey and now Rowdy as well, with all of us. Your little family does a lot of good, spreading joy and laughter. So we are here for you., and Rowdy too We cry, we laugh at memories and help one another. We hope to see you soon.Melinda and Teagan

I read this with tears streaming down my face, for you & for Joey. Jasper & I will keep you & Rowdy in our prayers (puppy & human) & will be sending positive thoughts & vibes your way. I try to remember what I read once about why dogs live such short lives. A little boy said that dogs are born knowing how to love unconditionally & people aren't born that way, that's why we live longer, so we have more time to learn how. Dogs help us with that, & I know Joey, Maggie & Rowdy will help you along your journey. Amy & Jasper

Sweet precious little Joey, you will be missed by so many, especially your dad and Rowdy! I am glad though that you are with little Maggie now. I was so sorry to read of Joey's passing, but what a beautiful touching tribute your post was about him today. I believe you were right about it being his time. I am glad he got to enjoy a favorite last meal and have you by his side at the end.Hugs to you,Jane and Sambo

Carson, my heart breaks for you as I understand just how difficult the decision to relieve sweet Joey of his troubles was, but it pales in comparison of watching him in such distress. Your pups, Maggie and Joey, brought great joy to so many other Dachshund owners and we too have a place in our hearts for them. Thank God you have the impish Rowdy to share your grief and build new and wonderful memories. Thank you for sharing Maggie and Joey!!

So very, very sorry for your loss. Making the decision to end any suffering for our animals is probably the toughest we'll ever make, and I know it can't have been easy. Sending you much sympathy and love.

This brought me to tears. I have never cried before reading a blogpost on anything.How you ever wrote the post is beyond me. I'd simply be unable with little Philly. The thought that Joey is happy again is really the only way I could keep reading at all.

Oh no! I am sure you are in deep deep shock. I am happy that Joey is reunited with Maggie on the Rainbow Bridge. And probably playing with my Maxie now too. I am so sorry about your dear sweet boy. Hugs to you and Rowdy.

I am so deeply sorry for your loss. This brought tears to my eyes because I know the heartbreak that comes with losing a dog because they are truly family. I love my mini Dachshund more than anything and want to give him extra hugs and kisses tonight. But I bet Joey is so happy to be playing with Maggie again. You take care, and snuggle Rowdy lots.

I'm so sorry for your loss -- they just aren't with us long enough, but we owe them the honor and respect of letting them go when it is time. It has been a difficult 18 months of loss for you -- Maggie, your dad, and now Joey. You and Rowdy are in my thoughts. How excited Maggie must have been to see her brother, though!

I'm crying my heart out, here. I miss that little gentleman already.Even though it was horrible for you, Dad, you were very brave and generous to let Joey go as you did. His needs were yours. I hope I can be so generous when my time comes...

Dearest friend, i am so sorry for your loss. Few things bring tears to my eyes, but i loved the blog and always what Joey and Maggie were up to. My heart hurts for you. I hope that you will always remember the best of times and that time will heal the hurt there. Best regardsEmily, Nestle, and Milo

I am so sorry for your loss. This has come at a total shock. Although terribly sad, you did the right thing. You can only perform so many tests and procedures on someone. I'm just crushed. My dachshund is 14 and I know my time with him is limited so it makes your story even more sad. It was nice to hear how peaceful it was for Joey. Horrible for you, peaceful for him. :(

I had to put my little chihuahua Cocoa down yesterday. That was NOT what I was expecting to do Saturday AM. Coca was 15 1/2 years old, was on medication for an enlarged heart, but he seemed if anything especially spunky, perky, and active last week-right up till he went into syncope and passed out in the back yard. We buried him yesterday afternoon.

His "sister" Mimi survives. She is a long haired miniature black and tan dachshund . She seems in excellent health and spirits, with no problems in sight, hearing, activities...

She turns 17 on March 7th.SEVENTEEN . Only a matter of time . :-(

You have my deepest sympathies. Joey was a beautiful dog, and I know he will be greatly missed not only by his family, but by all the readers here.

Our hearts be with you, I cried so when I read about Joey, having lost a dear dachshund too, one of my dachshunds, Spaatz came to lick my tears away.You are all the richer having known these awesome dogs.You and Rowdy hold each other and be strong. Joey wouldn't want you to be sad long, and he is with Maggie now. Bless you both.

Thank you for sharing your story with us. I am sorry you have lost your best friend. Joey brought so much love to you and to us readers who followed his joys and struggles each day. He taught us how to be strong and how to laugh and I looked forward to reading about his adventures. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of his life. You were a good friend to him and the memory of his love will comfort you in the lonely days ahead. Give a hug to Rowdy. He must be missing his buddy, too. Take care of yourself. xoxoWishy and Dawn

We know that nothing we write will help. Please just know that we are thinking of you and hope that you realize how important you were to Joey and how a dog just "knows" that they are loved and taken care of. Know that he knew ALL that and appreciated you as much as you appreciated him. Stay strong and enjoy your memories of him. They stay sweet no matter how many years pass. Our hearts are with you. Susan and her wiener crew...Melonie, Bridgette, Simon, Sally and Jerome.

I am so very sorry for your loss. Words of course say little of what is felt.Once last year you published a thought I wrote on my precious Oscar who pass months before and I was thankful to see it on your site. I hope you are comforted by good friends, good memories and the love of your dachshund who lives with you now. Sincerely,Elissa and furkids

I am so very very sorry to read about Joey's passing -- this is truly the hardest part about owning a pet.. When I lost my 2, I kept remembering that there was no one who could have done more or loved them more. That certainly is true for both Maggie and Joey - they were 2 lucky doggies to have you to share their lives with. I wish you peace in the coming days.

I cried as I read about Joey, it was so moving. It's so hard to lose your much loved friend even though you know it's time. Through this blog I felt I knew him and he was so handsome! He is with Maggie now and they will both be keeping an eye on you. My thoughts are with you and Rowdy at this difficult time.

Our hearts go out to you. We shall miss Joey, our fearless and loving leader in all things dachshund. When Tootsie first came into our lives, we turned to Maggie & Joey to help us learn to speak dachshund. Thank you for all you do. We are thinking of you and send all our love.

Dear Carson and Rowdy, a sad howl from the north of germany! We send out all our love to you and Rowdy. We couldn't believe it when we read about the loss of your little soulmate. We've lost a friend, you all were part of our lives. The adventures of Miss Maggie, Joey and Rowdy really made our day. We share your sorrow and your broken heart. You and Rowdy are in our thoughts, hearts and prayers. Give Rowdy an extra hug- he will miss his brother.. like we'll all do.Sincerely, Tobi & Anika

I am so sorry for you loss. I didn't know Joey, but he sounds like he was a wonderful friend. As someone who has had to make that very hard decision 2 times in my life, I feel your pain. May you find some comfort in your sorrow. All the best.

Carson and Rowdy. Our hearts go out to you. It is such a great sorrow when our family passes. The love we have for these amazing creatures makes it all worthwhile though. Keep going, you are an inspiration to many doxie lovers. God bless. Bucky, Gabby and their mom Sharon

I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Joey. After reading your blog for many years, I felt that he was one of my dogs. He is loved by so many. Thank you for sharing his life with us. May you find some comfort in the memories that you have of him.

Even in your grief you are an eloquent writer. I wish I had words to take away your pain. I know that someday we will all be reunited with our furkids that have passed. My sincere condolences to you and Rowdy.

I just found this blog a few days ago and this just breaks my heart. My little doxie has been through many tough times in his 4 1/2 years and there were a few times we went to the vet with him thinking that bad thought. But luckily for him, he's absorbed some of his cat friend's 9 lives. This post makes me just want to skip the rest of the work day and go home and play and snuggle with my dachshund.

I am so sorry Carson and Rowdy. I couldn't help but shed a tear for you while reading this. What a nice tribute. I'm so glad he got to have a nice last meal with his dad. His memory will live on forever, just like Maggie's and my Shorty's. Stay strong!

Oh I am so, so sorry that the day came. Joey was a beautiful. loving companion. He was such a fighter. I also am crying, because I lost Allie the twin of my current Kate. Kate is now 11. I know the day is coming and I dread it. Be gentle on yourself and Rowdy--I know he will grieve with you. Please keep us posted and lean on your dachshund friends. Jenny and Kate in Maryland

It broke my heart to read of the passing of this wonderful boy. Especially as I recently lost my Angel at only eight to similar symptoms, which turned out to be kidney disease. But we had the same ending, a peaceful passing in my arms. I cry for you, it's such a hard, hard thing.

I am so very sorry to hear about Joey. My dear little dachshund Phoebe also passed away last week, and I know your heart break. Your little man was a fabulous boy, and now he is overseeing all of Chicago from the clouds, romping away with his sister Maggie. Love to you and yours, and to sweet little Rowdy. I am so sorry.

Carson, you LIVE the human-animal bond. And Joey and his sister knew it. So does everyone who follows your stories. I feel privileged to know you and your pack, and to be a part of the beautiful community you've built here. Thank you for being you -- and that of course means, for being the human who could give Joey and Maggie the most loved lives on this earth. I imagine Zeppelin is prancing around them like a little dervish right now, and I smile. We will miss them but never forget them.

I don't know how you feel but I know how I felt when my first dachshund passed away his name was Max, then after 6 years I decided to bring another one into my life his name is Joe...you can see a video of him here.

He will be missed. I hope you and Rowdy will be able to comfort one another through this tough time. Know we are all sending our thoughts & prayers and most of all the understanding the room to heal.Sincerely, Elizabeth, Rick & the Willoughby Kennel

Dear Carson I am so very, very sorry for your loss. I was lucky enough to meet Joey and Maggie years ago at a Chicago dachshund meet up. They were both such beautiful, friendly, sweet dogs. I have loved reading all about Joey on the blog, and your love and devotion for him (and Maggie and Rowdy) was apparent in every word you shared about your sweet pups.

I hope it is some small comfort to know what a truly extraordinary life of love you gave to Joey, He couldn't have had a happier existence than the one he shared with you.

Be free little Joey. Tears of sadness for your Daddy and little brother, Rowdy. May you both find comfort in knowing one day you'll all be together in that big doggy park in the sky. xoxo Noodle and Fusilli. Woof!

I haven't checked into your blog in awhile, and I was so sad to see your dear Joey had passed. He was a beautiful guy. He joins Maggie and our sweet girl Hilde, who was two days shy of 19 when she died last May. They can play together in the heavens above northern Illinois. I grieve with you in the loss of our wonderful dachshund family members.M.H. Roscoe, IL

I have often visited your blog, and thoroughly enjoyed your pups and stories. I haven't been here for a while, and just now came back for a visit.

I am so, so very sorry! My heart goes out to you and your family for your loss. My heart aches for you, and I am crying as well. I'm going to close now and hold my two Doxie boys, Coney Dawg and Peppercorns and just love on them like there's no tomorrow.

It's not possible for a fellow dachsundist to read the touching story of your final moments together and not bawl your eyes out. I don't know how you could write it so eloquently. But it is perfect. There are no words I can say except I'm so sorry.

sooo crying right now for dear J-man and you too Carsen and Rowdy....for some reason I feel better knowing he's with Maggie again and they are running free and eating all day and watching over you with LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. Sending our weenie love to you from Cali!!!

I too am heartbroken over this news...Your blog was the very first Dachshund blog that I started to follow after getting my Winston nearly 6 years ago....I was so saddened to read of Maggie's passing, and my heart goes out now to you and Rowdy as I write this. I'll be giving Winston, and my new ween Matilda, an extra kiss on the nose tonight. I am so, so sorry for your loss.

I am so, so very sorry to hear of Joey's passing!! I can only imagine the heartache. I love my little guy so much that even the thought of having to euthanize him brings tears to my eyes. I hope you can find solace in the fact that he lived a truly wonderful life with you and his siblings, Maggie and Rowdy. All the best, Christy

I'm so sorry to hear about Joey's passing. What a beautiful tribute for a beautiful boy.... have really enjoyed reading all about Joey and Maggie over the years... We will truly miss Joey's (& Maggie's) presence on the blog. Thinking of you and Rowdy at this difficult time.

Once again, my heart is saddened by the loss of your other darling. Barney dog and I have followed Maggie and Joey through the years, then little Rowdy. You are not alone, I lost my Barney (16 1/2) on December 5th. I took off work and spent a wonderful last day with him. Although his body could no longer hold itself up, his appetite was great ("must be the doxie in him"). I made him a ground up bacon cheeseburger for his last meal. So, it looks to me like Maggie, Barney, and Joey are enjoying walks together now. Our little Angels. Barney had Cushing's too. I did adopt a new doxie from a rescue. He will be 10 in July, but acts 2. Thinking of you! Hugs your way.

I am just new to your blog, and am so sorry about your Joey. I recently adopted a sweet, blind double dapple who the breeder took in to be put down. She is now 4 1/2 months old, and I am hopelessly in love with her, and the breed. So glad I found your blog, and sad that I missed "knowing" your Joey and Maggie...I will read "back posts" for sure. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Dear Long and Short of it - I stumbled upon one of your photos on Pinterest and that is how I came to find your blog today, for the first time. After reading every word, I am left crying into my tissue. I have been in your shoes before. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. Your sweet dog will always live on with you in spirit. I am truly so very sad for your loss and I will be a follower from now on.

We are so sorry about Joey. May God bless you, and give you comfort and strength. Joey is happy and healthy with Maggie now, and I'm sure they are both looking down on you with smiles because of all the love you gave them. Although it hurts to be apart, you will be together again someday.

I am deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved Joey. What a wonderful little guy he was and we always enjoyed reading about him and Maggie and then Rowdy. I believe that Joey and Maggie are waiting for you in heaven with all our other little precious dachsies and that they are all healthy and happy and having a good time playing and running around.Our thoghts and prayers are with you.Clay and Ella and our wonderful dachsies Sophia and Sadie.

I am so very sorry about your loss. It brings tears to my eyes to read about little Joey. I can't imagine life without my little doxie. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. May you be comforted by warm memories and the peace that little Joey is in a place with no pain waiting for you.

Carson,Just trying to find another way to pay my respects. Your love, respect and compassion for your beautiful babies is life affirming. Joey, like sister Maggie, will always be remembered, and loved. Bless you, Rowdy, your two sweet Angels, and your amazing blog.

My heart aches for you. I lost my longhaired Dachsie, Dixie, in September of 2009 (congestive heart failure) after fourteen years with her by my side. I miss her every day but she left me so many beautiful memories to cherish and I know that she and Dexter Dog (my Dachsie who died young of an autoimmune disease) will both be there with wagging tails when I reach heaven's gates, just as your Joey and Maggie will be there to greet you.

About a month after Dixie's death I adopted two more (a bonded pair) from a DRNA and they continue to bring me so much joy. I felt it was the best way I could honor her memory.

I hope you will experience much more Dachsie love in your life as well. They are such special little beings.

I have been thinking of you since I read your sad news the day after your last post. I check daily for any update but I understand your lack of posting. I hope that you will begin posting soon because we all miss you and your posts bring happiness to so many people. You are in my prayers.

Due to extended health issues, I only learned of Joey's passing today, Carson, and for that I am truly sorry. Grieving the loss of such a wonderful companion is heartbreaking. I wish that it didn't hurt so much. Just know that Joey was valued more most dogs. You gave him a loving life.

Your fellow Dachshundists and readers of the beautiful blog remain heartbroken over the loss of your beloved Joey. Based on the sincerity and passion of the words you have used to desbribe the love and caring you feel for Joey, Maggie and Rowdy over the years, I cannot imagine what you are going through.

We are all so sorry for the loss of your lovely Joey. I first learned of your blog shortly after bringing our two Dachshunds home. We visit your blog every day and have laughed an cried with you all the while remaining silent. Now that your heart has been broken twice, we need to tell you that we share your grief. If you come back to your blog we'll be here. If you're unable, we understand. Just know that we wish you all the very best.Dexter, Drew and family

Carson and Rowdy. Many of us are praying you will come back. You have a huge family of support here. You have given us humor that makes our days better, sad days that we share with you and others and love like we all have for our fur critters. We have cried and laughed together. We want to be able to support the ones who have done so much for us. There were days that your blog brought me the humor to make it through another grueling day, there were days that you shared your sadness and we cried with you. We are another one of your families. We are waiting, praying for you to come back. Gretel, Windy Tinker and Mom

Cinnamon's Family, as we will always be, just checking in again from the Keystone state of PA. We think of and pray for you, dear Rowdy, and gentle Angels Maggie and Joey, every day. The most spiritual moments in my life occured while looking down Cinnamon's loooooong nose, deep into the sweetest eyes in the world.

I, too, am another dachshundist who checks in every day or so to see if you've returned. I trust that you will when you have healed enough that the memories of Joey bring you mostly happiness and only a little pain.

Cinnamon's family from PA here, and we (your cyber friends & fellow Dachshundists) really do check in every day, wishing there was something, or anything we could do to ease a portion of the pain, but knowing there are no words, or prayers, that will ever be adequate.

Maggie and Joey are not and will never be forgotten by The Long and Short of it All enthusiasts, and remain in our prayers each day as do you, Carson, and dear Rowdy.

I started watching your blog when we got our Gunter almost 5 yrs ago. When I saw Maggie's face I was hooked, she looked so much like my Gunter. Then I fell in love with Joey. How could anyone not love them? I know the pain you are feeling and can understand not being able to come back til you are ready. You never really get use to missing the ones you love when they are gone and it hurts so bad. But the only thing worse would be to have never loved at all and not have all those wonderful memories. And what wonderful memories they are. I just hope you are okay and know that all your friends are here for you when you need us.

I just finished checking in with my dachshund rescue group AADR and decided to visit your wonderful site for the first time in a while. And now tears are streaming down my face. I send you sympathy and support, and hope you will be able to continue with a blog that means so much to so many.

Fortunately for you we don't leave a comment or email each time we check in. Even when we see that most recent post date of February 9we still feel the need to 'come inside' to let you know Cinnamon (from above) and her family from PA, have you guys in our prayers every day.

Bless Angels Maggie and Joey, two special souls, who will remain in the hearts and prayers of your readers forever.

Forgive me for expressing sympathy here just today, I felt that I just couldn't find the right words for here. I know I did so on FB. I am so sorry for your losing precious Joey your boy who as you have said pretty much existed to please you in any way he could. I have seen that firsthand. what i will say is what i believe and have shared with too many lately - that the most important thing to a dog especially to a dachshund is that they leave this world knowing that they are loved, yes surrounded by love and that is certainly how Joey embarked on his journey to the rainbow Bridge with his most loving Dad there showereing him with love. Bless you and Rowdy in your loss you have been in my thoughts and prayers if not in my postings. I hope you knew that we were keeping you Joey and Maggie in a special place in our hearts.John & Ozzie

Just wanted to say again how blessed a day December 23, 2000, was, for the amazing Maggie and Joey Bording were born on that day.

So many things have changed in what is just a short period of time, but the beauty, dignity and selfless love possessed in common by your beloved Maggie and Joey, will remain with you, and all readers of TLASOIA, forever.

Bless you, Carson, and Rowdy and Bette, and amazing angels Maggie and Joey, today and always.

I'm stopping by, Carson, on the eve of Joey's passing, one year ago tomorrow, to pay my respects to the remarkable, unique & unforgettable soul who is and will always be your beloved Joey.

Having lived through the loss of my family's precious Cinnamon, and finding such tenderness and compassion, and abundant affection and appreciation for Dachshunds, here at The Long and Short of it All, reading about Joey's passing, in the words of his ever loving Dad, was gut wrenching.

Joey's wit and charm, and that unique and endearing take on life from the perspective of your spotted Dachshund son, brought both smiles and tears, as he and then with Rowdy by his side, soldiered on following the loss of your beautiful Maggie in September, 2011.

To beautiful, courageous, and loving Joey Bording, it has been an honor and privilege for me to get to know you and your family here at The Long and Short of it All. The determination & Dachshund pride that allowed you to overcome health challenges throughout your life, along with Dad Carson's caring and devotion to your cause, will remain with me forever.

Well, guys, we never forget about the Long & Short of it All. Cinnamon, my beloved red mini dachshund from Southeastern, PA, and I honor Maggie & Joey, and their Dad and family, each week, to this day, with a note on the Rainbows Bridge web site.

I still don't know how much the human heart can take, Joey, but as you know it's different for everyone, and your passing was something no loving parent could ever prepare for, and everyone here who had been inspired and moved by your Dad Carson over the years could, literally, feel his pain through the miles and tears.

As we approach another Labor Day weekend, this one the 4th (impossible to believe!) shared with you from the Bridge, Joey, I pray for health, happiness and long lives for Rowdy and Bette shared with Dad Carson, and that you all feel how much you are loved by your friends here at TLASOIA, today and every day.

I know angels Maggie & Joey can see from the Bridge that I continue to honor them, & their Dad and family, each week, with a note on the Rainbow Bridge web site.

I know how deeply your Dad was impacted by your passing, Joey, at least I think I do, but the truth is our doxie kids give us so much love during the time we are blessed to share here on earth, the void left behind at your passing is something we can handle only so many times.

It's hard for me to believe, but the piebald trio who captured the hearts of Cinnie's people after she was called home on 6/4/2012, our beloved Maggie, Melly & Maxie, will celebrate their 6th birthday in May, & we cherish every single moment shared.

I remain forever thankful that the profound love you, Joey, & your amazing sister Maggie share with your Dad led to the creation of the wonderful blog that is 'the long & short of it all', and we continue hope & pray that your Dad, Rowdy & Bette are sharing a wonderful life.

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